Rolls-Royce Planning an SUV?

Reports suggest Rolls-Royce is considering building a rival to the Bentley EXP 9 F, as well as an unidentified new flagship model.

Though it's technically a sedan, the Rolls-Royce Phantom is bigger than many sport-utility vehicles. But demand for rough-and-tumble SUVs at the top end of the market could press the Goodwood-based automaker to consider building a luxury truck of its own. The word comes from Inside Line, which spoke recently with Rolls-Royce brand director Harald Kreuger. Apparently the emergence of arch-rival (and former sister-brand) Bentley's EXP 9 F project has got Rolls thinking.

At this point it would be too early to say what the SUV would encompass, but if approved, we'd expect it to pack a V12 (likely the 6.6-liter twin-turbo from the Ghost) and incorporate the very pinnacle of luxury amenities. That's not all that's reportedly on the table, though. Apparently Rolls is looking into a new flagship that would be even more expensive than the nearly $500k Phantom Drophead Coupe. Details on this prospect, however, are even more scarce than the aforementioned SUV. (Rendering courtesy of Garrett Bradford, pictured alongside Bentley EXP 9 F and the latest Rolls-Royce Phantom range.)